Chapter 11 Environmental Safety Environmental Safety Identify and

Chapter 11 Environmental Safety

Environmental Safety • Identify and correct potential hazards • Health care workers must understand follow policies and procedures • OSHA

Health Care Hazards • • Chemical Environmental Ergonomic Infectious Physical Psychosocial Workplace violence

Question • Inadequate equipment maintenance is what type of hazard? A. Chemical B. Infectious C. Environmental

Answer • C. Environmental • Environmental hazards – Unsafe conditions in workplace • E. g. , inadequate maintenance of equipment

Answer • C. Environmental • Chemical hazards – May have toxic effects through inhalation, absorption, ingestion, or skin contact • Infectious hazards – May cause infection

Safety Guidelines • • • Focus on prevention Move safely Dress for safety Work safely with patients Protect self and others Report for safety

Increased Risk with Physical and Mental Changes • • Changes in vision Changes in hearing Altered neurological function Changes in blood vessels (continued)

Increased Risk with Physical and Mental Changes • • Slowed reflexes Changes in mental function Weakness from illness or injury Taking of medications

Question • Which of the following is the best approach when asked to perform a procedure on a patient that you are not trained to do? A. Do the best you can B. Have someone explain it to you C. Do not agree to do it

Answer • C. Do not agree to do it • Do not perform any procedure on patients until having received adequate training

Workplace Violence • Health care professional risk – Offensive or threatening language – Psychological trauma – Actual injuries – Homicide – Can result in negative organizational outcomes

Question • A patient is very upset about the care she received. She begins to escalate in volume and curse at you. What should you do? A. Take her to a private area to avoid disturbing others B. Acknowledge her feelings C. Tell her to calm down, or you will call security

Answer • B. Acknowledge her feelings • When confronted with angry patients, acknowledge feelings and avoid getting defensive or matching hostility

Answer • B. Acknowledge her feelings • Avoid isolating yourself with potentially violent people by taking them to a private location • Avoid giving orders and threatening them with security

Prevent or Decrease Violence • Environmental designs • Administrative controls • Behavior modification

Fire and Electrical Hazards • Fire requires oxygen, item that will burn, and source of heat • Know location of fire alarms and extinguishers • Know emergency evacuation routes

Fire Triangle

Fire Procedures • RACE – Remove patients – Activate alarm – Contain the fire – Extinguish the fire or Evacuate the area

Fire Extinguisher Usage • PASS – Pull the pin – Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire – Squeeze the handle – Sweep back and forth along the base of the fire

Four Types of Fires • Class A – Ordinary combustibles • Class B – Flammable and combustible liquids (continued)

Four Types of Fires • Class C – Electrical fires • Class D – Burning metals

Question • True or False: – RACE is an acronym for putting out a fire with a fire extinguisher.

Answer • False • PASS – Acronym for putting out fire with fire extinguisher • RACE – Acronym for what to do when you discover fire

Chemical Hazards • • • Numerous chemicals used in health care Labeling and compatibility Avoid contact Wear PPE Follow material safety data sheet (MSDS) Clean up and treatment

Radiation Hazards • • X-rays and radiation therapy Monitoring radiation exposure Safety guidelines Disposal of radioactive waste

Infectious Waste • Any item or product with potential to transmit disease • Follow policies and procedures • Report accidental exposures

Oxygen Precautions • • • Post sign “Oxygen in Use” Avoid all sources for sparks Never use flammable liquids Secure oxygen tank Do not smoke Do not use wool or synthetics

Question • Which of the following is the best first step if a chemical comes in contact with the skin? A. Rinse under cool water for at least 5 minutes B. Immediately go to the emergency department C. Cover the area with antibiotic ointment and dressing

Answer • A. Rinse under cool water for at least 5 minutes • First step to take when chemical comes in contact with skin: – Immediately rinse under cool water for at least 5 minutes

Bioterrorism • Extends back in history to earliest human records • Biological exposure readiness plan (continued)

Bioterrorism • Most likely weapons: – Anthrax – Smallpox – Botulism – Plague

Emergency Code System • Communication method for employees • Prevents patients and visitors from becoming overly concerned

Emergency Preparedness Plan • Follow OSHA requirements • Follow policies and procedures • Remain calm

Triage System • Guidelines to assess patients’ conditions – Determine where they should be sent – Determine what treatment they should receive • Used during disasters • Used daily in emergency departments